Internet, cell phones, and plugs in Bolivia

April 8, 2010 in Uncategorized

A practical guide to cell phones, internet and plugs/sockets in Bolivia for international visitors

Internet

There will be wifi available to all participants at the key conference locations of the Univalle Campus and Hotel Regina. There will also be a room with computers connected to the internet for use by participants.

Internet cafes abound in all major cities in Bolivia, and can be found on most city center streets, so it is not difficult to stay connected throughout your stay in Bolivia!

Cell phones

Various telephone companies in Bolivia offer both telephone and GSM facilities. ENTEL, Nuevatel and Telecel also have roaming agreements with international telephone companies. Please visit this site to see if your phone company has an agreement with a Bolivian company that will allow for your mobile phone to work in Bolivia.

It is also easy to get hold of pay-as-you-go SIM cards which you can put in your phone. Be aware though that not all international phones work with the same frequency. Bolivia, like many countries in the Americas, uses GSM Band 850 and 1900.

At some supermarkets and ENTEL shops, it is possible to buy a cheap but effective cell phone (‘movil express’) for roughly $30 that includes $7 of credit. Conference organizers are exploring the possibility of setting up a place where people can donate any unneeded cell phones to social movements in Bolivia after the conference.

Plugs and sockets

In Bolivia, you will mainly find sockets that fit dual flat blade and round pin plugs, although some also fit plugs with an additional ground pin. See plugs A, B and C here. Most electric systems use 220/230 volts. Note that this is the same type used in most Western Hemisphere countries including the U.S.